Florida Keys parks & beaches scene
KeysCompass categoryParks & Beaches

Parks & Beaches · Key West

South Beach

Small City of Key West beach at the ocean end of Duval Street. City materials note warm shallow water and the Emma Carrero Cates Pier for sunrise or sunset; local lore on the city page says playwright Tennessee Williams swam here nearly every day he lived in Key West. Distinct from any Key Largo shoreline that used the same name. The Emma Carrero Cates Pier has its own page at Emma Carrero Cates Pier.

Plan your stop

Useful details

Before you go

Confirm access, hours and any rules on https://www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/South-Beach-25 (also City Public Beaches https://cityofkeywest-fl.gov/311/Public-Beaches). The pier at Emma Carrero Cates Pier is a separate listing.

On Key West, at MM 0–4

South Beach sits in Key West (Key West, MM 0–4). The southernmost city: historic streets, major attractions, transit connections and the departure point for Dry Tortugas. This listing is for public outdoor time, with parking, heat and wildlife rules checked first.

Other parks & beaches listings currently published on Key West include Dog Beach, Key West Historic Cemetery, Riggs Wildlife Refuge / Bridle Path. Compare them on the island or category hub rather than assuming this listing is the only option.

What this record includes

Directory category
Parks & Beaches
Island area
Key West (Key West, MM 0–4)
Mapped as
parks & beaches
Published address
Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040
Published hours field
Sunrise to sunset (per City of Key West)
Official website on file
Yes — confirm details there
Mapped or source amenities
Shallow water, Emma Carrero Cates Pier nearby
Source
City of Key West Facilities — South Beach

Confirm before you go

  • Current hours, closures, fees and access rules on the linked source
  • A working phone number — none is published on this listing
  • No ratings or “best of” rank — this page does not score or rank places

How to use this listing

South Beach is a park or shoreline listing in Key West (Key West, MM 0–4). Sand, shade, swimming, parking and dog rules vary widely from one Keys beach to the next.

Check hours, fees, seaweed or water advisories and wildlife closures on the managing agency page. Carry water; heat and limited shade are part of the plan, not a surprise.

Listed amenities & features

  • Shallow water
  • Emma Carrero Cates Pier nearby
Source & accuracy

This listing was reviewed using City of Key West Facilities — South Beach. The official website is the right place for menus, rates, reservations and hours. Directory text is a planning aid, not a live operations feed. Last reviewed on Oct 2, 2026 using City of Key West Facilities — South Beach.

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